Neem is a tropical and sub-tropical plant which is highly drought resistant. The plant has several medicinal and commercial applications and finds significance in Hinduism. Neem cultivation also has a role to play in agriculture and pest management.

Water sprite, Indian fern, Water fern, Oriental waterfern, Water hornfern

''Ceratopteris'' species are aquatic pteridophytic ferns, generally found in tropical regions. They require a warm climate and lots of water. Two species - ''C. pteridoides'' and ''C. thalictroides'' are found in India. ''C. thalictroides'' or watersprite is used as an ornamental plant in aquariums. It is also cultivated as a vegetable for including in salads, due to its several curly leaves.

''Curcuma longa'' or Turmeric is a plant with high medicinal and cultural value in India. The rhizome of the plant has medicinal properties. The dried root is ground into a powder which is used on several religious occasions in Hinduism. India is the largest producer of Turmeric in the world. (Adapted from Wikipedia)

''Madhuca longifolia'', commonly known as mahwa or mahua, is an Indian tropical tree found largely in the central and north Indian plains and forests. It is a fast growing tree that grows to approximately 20 meters in height, possesses evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage, and belongs to the family ''Sapotaceae''. It is adapted to arid environments, being a prominent tree in tropical mixed deciduous forests in India in the states of Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat and Orissa (Source: Wikipedia)

''Mangifera indica'' or Mango is a very popular fruit in India and all parts of the world. It is famous for its bright yellow color and exquisite taste. The most popular variety of Indian mango is the "Alphonso".It is a crop of great economic importance to India and is cultivated in many parts of the country.

''Phyllanthus emblica'' or Indian Gooseberry is a species commonly known for its fruit called Amla. The fruit has one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C (160 times more than apple) and thus is reputed as a strong antioxidant. Amla finds uses in many medicinal and cosmetic products, especially those for hair such as hair oils and tonics. Amla fruit is used in Indian cooking mainly as pickles or as mouth-freshners. It is also a constituent of the popular '''Dabur Chawanprash'''.

Sandalwood is an economically important plant and has been cultivated for several centuries for the fragrance of its oil. Due to extensive and sometimes, illegal cutting of native Sandalwood trees, this species has become vulnerable to extinction. ''S. album'' is native to South/South-East Asia, possibly Indonesia. Another species ''Santalum spicatum'' is native to Australia.